Simon Field | Burnished gold, with a slightly lactic nose beyond the fruit, which in itself is dominated by greengage, yellow plum, and late-harvest orchard fruit. The palate is nicely balanced with sufficient acidity to counter the natural exuberance of the year; ripeness therefore held in check, with a whisper of tension on the finish gilding the structure of the ensemble. | 88

Andrew Jefford | Deep gold for a 2015. Ah! Gorgeous nose, il faut l’admettre. Such lifted honeyed charm, such lemony freshness, such almondy richness. What else can I say? Just spot on. And sometimes Roussanne can be heavy in the south, but this almost seems to remember the freshness and lightness and poise it achieves not far away in Savoie. A truly lovely white Châteauneuf-du-Pape nose. Then you taste, and it’s lush, rich, solid, soft, and gratifying. I almost spoke too soon about that lifted aromatic freshness, since the palate is a much richer, chewier, heavier prospect... but it’s good, nuanced, subtle, and sinewy. Altogether fine and impressive. In the finish, you find licorice root, normally only a red-wine note. Super-serious French white wine from a special place. | 94

John Livingstone-Learmonth | Full yellow, gold tints, abundant legs visible. The bouquet is full, markedly southern in its display of toffee and creamy, ripe fruits, in glazed fashion, a note of tobacco attached. The gras is pretty stylish, and the texture keeps its smoothness throughout. The length is lovely, successful, nourishing. A polished and well-rounded white Châteauneuf here, one that can sit at the high table. It deserves fine cuisine. Decant it. 2018–30/32. | 92